LEA-HUTAFF ISLAND, N.C. – A $20,000 reward has been offered after a bottlenose dolphin was found decapitated in North Carolina last month, according to the NOAA.
In a release, NOAA officials said that the dead bottlenose dolphin was discovered by a member of the public on Lea-Hutaff Island on April 15.
Recommended Videos
“The area is a remote, undeveloped barrier island north of Wilmington, North Carolina, only accessible by boat,” the release reads.
When a stranding network partner went to the reported location, the 8-foot-long dolphin was found to be intentionally mutilated with its head removed, NOAA officials added.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
“They determined that someone intentionally removed its head between April 16 and April 18, after they received the initial stranding report,” the release continues.
Per the NOAA, the dolphin is suspected of carrying Brucella, a bacterium that can cause an infectious bacterial disease. That disease can be passed to humans through direct contact.
While the dolphin necropsy is still underway, the decapitation is considered a violation of Marine Mammal Protection Act, which has prompted a search for whomever is responsible.
As such, the NOAA is asking members of the public for information leading to one or all of the following:
- Successful identification of the person(s) responsible
- Successful prosecution for the person(s) responsible
- Arrest, conviction or civil penalty assessment
Anyone with information can leave tips with the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964.
Tips can be made anonymously, though a name and contact information must be included to be eligible for the reward.